MANILA, Philippines — The Judicial and Bar Council on Friday released the short list of candidates set to become the Court of Appeals Associate Justice.
Manila Regional Trial Court judge Ma. Celestina Mangrobang-Cruz topped the list obtaining 7 votes from the seven-member council headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Quezon RTC Judge Angelene Mary Quimpo-Sale and Manila RTC Judge Merianthe Pacinta Zuraek meanwhile got six votes each.
Meanwhile, Cavite RTC Presiding Judge Emily Aliño-Geluz, Panabo City RTC Judge Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga and Baguio RTC Judge Mia Joy Oallares-Cawed all received five votes each.
Pasig City RTC Judge Rowena De Juan-Quinagoran finishes the shortlist of candidates with four points.
The seven vie for the position vacated by CA Associate Justice Leoncia Dimagiba who retired last December.
Dimagiba sat as a member of the appellate court for more than eight years.
The shortlist has been submitted to the President Rodrigo Duterte, who holds the power to appoint members of the judiciary.